Should Army and Marines (or components of) consolidate?

Truthfully, I think the whole military should consolidate. It would cut down on costs and make the decision easier for civilians wanting to join. Since all of the branches have pretty much all of the same jobs available I think it would be more simple if we all served under the same name and in the same uniform.

Marines and soldiers are brothers in combat and garrison. We are not twins though. The army takes an act of war / congress to be deployed; marines though can act off presidential orders without congressional approval. To force one to change to the other, tactically, is like cutting off your left arm. The in fighting and competition between branches helps soldiers i believe. 'Why those jarheads always blah blah" "why those dumb grunts so dumb" blah blah, competition breeds excellence...remove anyone of the 'jenga' pieces and who knoes how fast or much it could effect everything.....its worked this way for over 200years why fix whats not broke?!

Looking through all of the responses to this thread the best respone is increasing cooperation between the two. The major problems that are incountered are not fully understanding each others true role and capabilities. Each branch respectfully wants to operate independently which is good depending on the task then allows the joint task to drasctically falter. We are both US service members and defend the same nation. Lets strive harder to work together and each other to get job done.

the Marines are a unique group their training is superior why mess up a great thing the few the proud the Marines let's keep it that way

No there is a huge difference between the two which draws the different people into each. I am solider and knew I wanted to serve in more of a main role i feel like navy and airforce support us and the marines. You just need both

I feel it would be a good, progressive mover for our Military. In addition you can still maintain the "specialized" forces such as Berets, Rangers, Airborne, etc. and look to expand these units.

I'm ex army, and I understand the difference between the army and the marines. They are primarily an amphibious force. Just because they may not need them now doesn't mean they won't be needed in the future. Kinda like the airborne. When is the last time they really NEEDED to jump out of a plane? But we still keep them around

As I look through the thread it's obvious that the high majority of responses are driven by emotion and past experience. After being a soldier , Army civilian and now Navy civilian I am often called on to create cost saving courses of action by higher HQs, I have to ask the question as a staffer would see it: If we were faced with cuts that forced us to consolidate, what would you recommend as VIABLE courses of action to consider? My answer might be; consolidate equipment platforms, joint basing, increase interoperability and training platforms. Keep uniforms, training doctrine, COC, rank structure and service hierarchy separate. USMC remains USMC, commanded by USMC as a branch Under US Army as opposed to US Navy. There are positive possibilities and there will be points to consider such as those involving the already structured relationship with the Navy. Marines are currently DON. When a staffer is asked, emotions must be put aside and the responses must be functional. Currently there are monies spent that should be consolidated (IMHO) for vehicles, weapons and other systems. What do you think?

No they shouldn't. I don't think the question is offensive. It's interesting. One main difference is that the Marines are transported to their destination by a Navy ship which gives another element of surprise to the enemy and making them more mobile than the Army.

Absolutely not!!